CompTIA

In this post, I’ll provide a brief overview of the CompTIA exams I completed, including why I chose them, the materials I used to prepare, and what I wish I had known beforehand.

All of these exams are multiple choice and proctored. You can either take them at an authorized testing center or online with a live proctor monitoring you via webcam. I chose to take mine at a testing center to avoid potential issues, as online proctoring can be quite strict about seemingly minor behaviors, such as looking away from the screen or speaking aloud. While experiences may vary, it is generally best to plan for a strict environment. If a testing center is available, it is typically the more straightforward option.

Each exam is 90 minutes in length and consists of approximately 60 to 90 questions. In addition to standard multiple-choice questions, there are Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), which are designed to assess practical understanding through tasks such as drag-and-drop exercises, command-line interaction, or troubleshooting scenarios. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is important to respond to every question. Passing is determined by achieving a minimum score threshold, which varies by exam, and results are provided immediately upon completion.

CompTIA certifications are updated regularly to keep pace with evolving technology and are valid for three years. However, earning a higher-level certification will renew any lower-level certifications you already hold. For example, passing Network+ before your A+ expires will automatically extend the validity of both certifications.

CompTIA A+

220-1101 Core 1

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams, 1101 and 1102 (Core 1 and Core 2), each designed to assess different areas of technical knowledge. This certification is geared toward help desk and technical support roles and focuses on the foundational concepts of computer systems.

The 1101 (Core 1) exam focuses on hardware. Topics include RAM types, CPU speeds and socket types, SATA versus NVMe storage, RAID configurations, cable types and speeds, motherboard form factors, POST codes, printers, and general hardware troubleshooting.

One area that is particularly important to focus on is printers. You should understand how they function, their internal components, the differences between types such as laser and inkjet, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

The exam frequently presents situational questions, such as:

“Dave is experiencing X issue. What should you check first?”

In these scenarios, careful attention to wording is critical. Keywords like “first,” “best,” or “next” can significantly impact which answer is considered correct, especially when multiple options appear valid.

You should also be comfortable with display technologies and understand the differences between LCD, LED, IPS, and TN panels. Additionally, there are a large number of acronyms covered in the exam objectives, and while full memorization may not be required, familiarity with them is highly beneficial.

Passing score: 675/900

220-1102 Core 2

The 1102 (Core 2) exam focuses on software and operating systems.

Topics include wireless standards (such as 802.11 variants), operating system installation, command-line usage across Linux, macOS, and Windows, troubleshooting methodologies, and general technical support practices.

You should have a solid understanding of:

Command-line tools and their usage Differences between Windows versions (Home, Pro, Enterprise) Basic system requirements for various operating systems

Passing score: 710/900

For preparation, I primarily used Professor Messer’s content. His YouTube playlists cover each exam objective in detail through concise, well-structured videos.

I also relied heavily on practice exams from Udemy, which were extremely valuable. While they do not include Performance-Based Questions, the format and wording closely resemble the actual exam. Each question includes detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, which helps reinforce understanding and identify knowledge gaps.

Network+

The Network+ exam is centered around core networking concepts.

Similar to A+, the exam consists of 60–90 questions, including Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), with a passing score of 720/900.

A strong understanding of the following topics is essential:

The OSI model and the function of each layer
Common protocols and their associated ports (HTTP, DNS, FTP, SSH, etc.)
Cable types, along with their speeds and distance limitations
USB standards and generations
Wireless standards and frequencies
Network types such as LAN, VLAN, WAN, and MAN
Cloud service models, including PaaS and SaaS

Some PBQs may require tasks such as configuring access control lists (ACLs) or troubleshooting communication issues within a network. These can be time-intensive, so it is often more efficient to skip them initially and return after completing the multiple-choice questions.

Subnetting is a critical component of this exam and should be thoroughly understood.

Overall, this is the most content-dense and technically demanding of the exams. If you are new to networking, it is worth allocating additional time to study and reinforce these concepts.

Professor Messer Network+ Playlist

Security+

The Security+ exam focuses on foundational cybersecurity concepts.

I found it more manageable than Network+, but it is still a challenging exam that requires a solid understanding of a wide range of topics.

Key areas include:

Threat actors and their motivations
Physical and logical security controls
Common attack types such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and zero-day exploits
Malware and social engineering techniques
Basic cryptography concepts

Passing score: 750/900

Although it is slightly less content-dense than Network+, it should not be underestimated. I passed by a narrow margin, which speaks to how important it is to take the material seriously.

Professor Messer Security+ Playlist

Helpful Tips

Make sure you are familiar with your testing location ahead of time
Give yourself plenty of time for parking and check-in
Get adequate sleep the night before the exam
Use Professor Messer’s slide printouts to save time during review
Writing concepts down can help reinforce memory
Try explaining material out loud to ensure true understanding
Eat beforehand to maintain focus and energy
Skip PBQs initially and return to them after completing multiple-choice questions
Answer every question, even if you are unsure
Flag difficult questions and revisit them if time allows
Complete the full study playlists, even if they feel repetitive
Take a few deep breaths before starting to manage test anxiety
CompTIA offers discounted pricing for students with proper verification

I completed all four exams in roughly two to three months. I performed well on the A+ exams but narrowly passed both Network+ and Security+. During each exam, I was convinced I had failed, and waiting for the results was easily the most stressful part.

Everyone learns at a different pace, so do not be discouraged if you need more time. I was able to dedicate a significant amount of time to studying, which may not be realistic for everyone. If you need multiple attempts, that is completely fine. The goal is to build real understanding and ultimately pass.